HISTORICAL ARCHIVE

Archival Treasures

Parchments and seals

heading image

HISTORICAL ARCHIVE

Parchments

The collection of parchments and illuminated as well as sealed documents preserved in the archive is exceptionally rich. They attest to rights and record the conferment of important political and religious offices.
Parchment is a membrane made from animal skin (sheep or cattle), specially treated and also known as vellum. It has been used since ancient times as a precious and durable writing material. Through soaking in an acidic solution, the animal's hair was easily removed, and the skin was stretched on a frame. The side where the hair was removed was usually darker, while the other, the "flesh side," was lighter and more suitable for writing. In particularly valuable books and documents, it is not uncommon to find miniatures or illustrations depicting various subjects and scenes of daily life.
These decorations are very delicate, and the colors used are composed of two parts: the pigment, such as the purple dye obtained from specific Mediterranean mollusks (an organic dye) or the turquoise from lapis lazuli (a true inorganic pigment); and the binder, made up of organic substances that are easily attacked by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
The parchment shown at the top, for example, represents a privilege granted to Simonino Ghiglino, secretary to the Duke of Milan, Filippo Maria Visconti, known as Angelo, and his brother in 1441. On the parchment, the miniature depicting the coat of arms of the Visconti family is still clearly visible: the serpent swallowing a child and the imperial black eagle with lowered wings. The Visconti serpent has been one of the most representative symbols of Milan and the ancient Duchy for over seven hundred years.

vertical gallery image

The above figures feature precious drawings and miniatures, contained within a booklet entirely made of parchment and enclosed in a red velvet case with the family crest, seal, and a hanging iron seal holder. The document it contains dates back to 1660 and certifies the confirmation of Faenza citizenship granted to Cardinal Count Giberto Borromeo by Pope Alexander VII.

HISTORICAL ARCHIVE

Seals

image

The seal, usually attached to documents, is used as a distinctive mark by a person or entity (political or religious office, public or private) and represents the authority and authenticity of the document, guaranteeing its legal value. It is impressed on wax, metal, or other materials accompanying a writing to authenticate it or to ensure by sealing that it is not improperly opened. The use of seals is very ancient; however, among the Romans, it was used solely for sealing purposes, while it began to be used for authentication during the Middle Ages.
In the above figure, an imperial seal of Charles VI of Habsburg from 1718 is shown, perfectly preserved in its wooden seal case. This precious relic is attached to the diploma granting the imperial vicariate and the minting right to Carlo IV Borromeo Arese by the Austrian emperor.

image

Granting of Lucerne citizenship to Ludovico Borromeo by the ambassadors of the Swiss League, convened for the occasion, 1520.

image

Confirmation of the privileges granted to the female monastery of San Pietro of the Dominican Order by Ludovico, King of the French and Duke of Milan, 1509.

HISTORICAL ARCHIVE

Parchments with miniatures

image

Granting of the County of Arona and the associated castle in favor of Count Vitaliano Borromeo – 1445.

Subscribe now to our newsletter

Do you want to know the latest news from Terre Borromeo?

image
Sign up now